Cathy MerrittWhen I was a child, my family used to live near a Persian restaurant, and we loved going there whenever we could. Even to this day, this tradition still holds, and we still dine out at similar restaurants.
There’s just something so enticing about the cuisine. I love its symphony of savoriness and tanginess with a strong kick of heat. Not to mention the rich aroma that instantly makes me drool!
These are just some of the things that keep me and my family coming back to the following restaurants.
Darvish Restaurant
Address: 508 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—12 to 9 pm
- Sunday—12 to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14169298893
Operating since 1985, Darvish Restaurant is actually the restaurant that my family and I loved to frequent when I was young, so naturally, I have to feature it on this list. It’s just a lovely spot with a comforting atmosphere and delicious food.
For appetizers, we typically get barley soup. It’s such a simple dish—a rich broth with chicken and barley—but it’s more than enough to whet our appetites. It’s also a great dish when it’s gloomy outside because it feels like a warm hug.
When it comes to the main course, we always go for the veal kebab. The veal filet is marinated in walnut, pomegranate paste, and herbs, so it has a nice sweet and tangy taste. I can’t get enough of it, especially when paired with the fragrant basmati rice.
| Pro Tip: Planning a party and considering hosting it at this restaurant? Simply fill up this form. |
Taftan Restaurant
Address: 865 York Mills Rd, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—12 to 10 pm
- Saturday—12 to 11 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14169017773
Taftan is another Persian restaurant with a cozy vibe, and I love the old-school paintings on the walls. They make me feel like I’m transported back in the past.
My go-to order is the lamb shank with baghali polo (rice, fava beans, and dill). The lamb shank is tender and flavorful (it’s mostly savory with a hint of heat). The rice is fluffy and aromatic, and I love pouring the remaining sauce from the shank to add more flavor.
I also really love the Shirin Polo, which is chicken on rice. The rice smells so good because it’s seasoned with saffron, and there are also almonds and pistachios to add a nice texture and earthy counterpart to the chicken’s herby flavor.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant offers family packages, which are perfect for group dining because these contain at least five skewers and other side dishes. Just take note that these packages are available only for takeout. |
Darband Restaurant
Address: 879 York Mills Rd, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday to Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14164451777
Every time I stop by Darbrand Restaurant, the place is always busy and packed, which I take as a good sign because that means people really love the food here. I do, too, so I’m always willing to wait a bit before a seat is available for me.
I like to get the Albaloo Polo Morgh, which is essentially cherry rice with an oven-baked chicken leg. I love how the cherry rice is so aromatic and slightly sweet, and the chicken’s savory-spicy flavors complement it well.
Sometimes, I order Bademjan Kebab (grilled eggplant) as a side dish to make my meal more nutritious. It helps that the eggplant tastes great as well. It’s stuffed with herbs and nuts and then drizzled with pomegranate purée to add a touch of sweetness.
| Pro Tip: I recommend coming here via public transportation because the parking lot is small and when it’s full, it can get really tight. |
Pomegranate Restaurant
Address: 420 College St
Operating Hours: Thursday to Sunday—5 to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14169217557
It’s hard not to be lured to get inside Pomegranate Restaurant. The interior looks like it came straight out of Tehran, and the mouthwatering aroma wafts from the kitchen.
The menu features a diverse array of Persian cuisine. You can find some of the classics, but there are also dishes from different provinces.
I love to start my meal with Zeitoun Parvardeh, which is essentially marinated olives. The olives are imported from Rudbar and are marinated in pomegranate walnut and mint sauce, so they taste refreshing, sweet, and nutty. They taste well with flatbread.
For the main course, I recommend the Shirin Polo, a braised lamb shank and rice dish. The fluffy basmati rice is seasoned with fragrant saffron, orange peels, pistachios, and dried barbies, so it tastes sweet, nutty, and earthy. The braised lamb is juicy and tender.
| Pro Tips: They offer catering services for special events. I’ve heard that they will start selling Persian meal packages that you can just heat up at home. The service is called Boghcheh. |
Haida Sandwich
Address: 15 Northtown Way #21, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—10 am to 1 am
- Sunday—10 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16473523344
If you don’t have a lot of time to sit down and eat, you should check out Haida Sandwich. It’s my go-to whenever I’m hungry but in a rush to get somewhere.
My usual order is the Haida Royal Sandwich, which is filled to the brim with my favorites: chicken, beef deli, beef sausage, mushroom, tomatoes, and stretchy mozzarella cheese. A few bites are more than enough to fill my stomach.
They also have pizza here! My favorite flavor so far is the Persian Empire Pizza, which is jam-packed with beef and chicken deli, beef sausage, mushrooms, olives, and more.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning a party, you can hire them as your caterer. |
Herby Restaurant
Address: 397 Danforth Ave
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14164669933
Herby Restaurant is helmed by an Iranian chef, so you can expect to taste authentic flavors here.
I recommend the Zereshk Polo and Chicken. The barberry rice is sweet and somewhat nutty since it has pistachio and almond pieces sprinkled in, while the oven-roasted chicken meat is wonderfully seasoned, so you can taste how savory and spicy it is.
If you love dessert, then you shouldn’t pass up on the classic saffron and pistachio ice cream, which has a mellow, sweet flavor. The Persian baklava cake (fluffy saffron loaf cake soaked in rose syrup) is perfect if you prefer something even more decadent.
| Pro Tip: If you have any dietary restrictions, let your server know so that the chef can see to your needs. |
Shamshiri Restaurant
Address: 280 Sheppard Ave E, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 10:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 11:30 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165784000
On the outside, Shamshiri Restaurant looks like your typical fast-food restaurant, but inside, you’ll find a warm space that feels like home.
You should try the Shamshiri Special Koobideh, which is also my favorite dish here. The chicken breast and ground beef have a nice char that elevates the savory flavors. They’re also served with saffron rice and grilled tomato, so you’ll be full and satisfied.
If you don’t eat meat, I recommend the Mirza Ghasemi. The eggplant is charcoal-broiled and puréed, and then seasoned with roasted garlic and mixed with tomato sauce. It’s such a hearty dish, and I love dipping bread into it.
| Pro Tip: This place can get crowded, especially during peak hours (lunch and dinner time). I recommend coming here sometime in the afternoon instead. |
Shatter Abbas Restaurant
Address: 804 Sheppard Ave E, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14165909287
Shatter Abbas is one of the most popular Persian restaurants in Toronto, which is why it has several locations within the city. The one I always come back to is the one on Queens Quay.
I like ordering the Shishlik because it has several lamb racks with saffron basmati rice, making it perfect for groups. It also helps that the meat is so succulent and oozing with savory and peppery flavors, so I can’t get enough of it.
I’m also fond of the Zaban Sandwich. The meat used is actually beef tongue, which sounds weird, but it’s not bad. It’s somewhat fatty but is still tender, and it tastes a mixture of savory, earthy, and spices, thanks to the Persian spice mix used.
| Pro Tip: Keep in mind that this place only accepts cash. |
Banu
Address: 777 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday—5 to 9 pm
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday—12 to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167772268
At Banu, not only will you be able to taste the bold flavors of Iranian cuisine, but you can also get a glimpse of the culture. The interior makes the place look like a restaurant in Tehran, and the music playing is by Iranian artists!
My favorite thing to order here is the turmeric and split pea stew because it’s such a hearty and comforting dish. I love pouring spoonfuls of the thick, savory stew onto the saffron rice and shoving it into my mouth. The beef is also tasty with a zing of lime.
The saffron lemon chicken is another go-to order of mine. The chicken breast is succulent and tastes herby and earthy. It also has strong tangy notes, thanks to the lemon the chicken is cooked in.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to dine with a group, I recommend booking a reservation. |
Parkway Restaurant
Address: 379 Eglinton Ave E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165517910
Parkway Restaurant is a quiet, humble spot on Eglinton Avenue, but don’t overlook it because inside, you can treat yourself to a hearty Persian feast.
I actually like coming here for breakfast, and my usual order is the Persian-style omelet. This reminds me of shakshuka because it has three eggs cooked in a tomato sauce. It’s incredibly rich and slightly acidic, and I love scooping the runny eggs with bread.
If I’m visiting during lunch or dinner, I like to order Torsh, which is a skewer of veal. The meat is marinated with pomegranate paste, walnuts, and spices, so you can taste a symphony of savory, earthy, and nutty flavors with every bite.
| Pro Tip: The restaurant is more than happy to cater for your event. For more information, contact them via phone or email ([email protected]). |
Darbar Persian Grill and Wine Lounge
Address: 2015 Avenue Rd, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165194545
Located in North York’s Upper Avenue area, Darbar Persian Grill and Wine Lounge is the best place to go if you want a fancy dining experience. Usually, my family and I come here whenever we’re celebrating something big (like a promotion at work).
I recommend starting your meal with grape leaves stuffed with ground beef. Aside from its strong herby flavors, the dish is also pretty tangy, especially when you dip it into the yogurt.
For the main course, go for the Sultani Kebab Combo. It has two types of grilled meat (ground beef and tenderloin veal filet) and is served with fragrant saffron rice and sweet charred tomatoes. The dish is also big enough to share, which is always a good thing.
| Pro Tip: It’s somewhat difficult to find parking at this restaurant, so I recommend using public transportation to get here. If you must drive, avoid coming during peak hours (usually in the evenings) so that you don’t have to fight for a spot in the parking lot. |
Rose Kebab Toronto
Address: A, 0A7, 16 Mallard Rd Suite A204, North York
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14169926686
Rose Kebab Toronto is the best Persian restaurant for people who are on a diet. The dishes here are prepared in a healthier way, so they have fewer calories and lower cholesterol when compared to traditional Persian dishes.
I recommend ordering the salmon dish with basmati rice and salad. The salmon is marinated in the restaurant’s special sauce, and the savory-tangy flavors really seep into the meat. The rice also tastes great (subtly earthy and sweet), thanks to the saffron.
Complete your meal with fresh juice. Your options include mango, orange, apple, and pineapple.
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, this spot has weekly specials that are only available for a limited time. Give them a try when you can! |
Gilaneh Restaurant
From: azadehjoun
Address: 900 York Mills Rd, North York
Operating Hours:
- Sunday and Monday—12 to 10 pm
- Tuesday to Saturday—12 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14163909999
Located inside the Westin Prince Hotel, Gilaneh Restaurant truly is a celebration of Persian culture. You can see it in the interior (which looks charmingly rustic) and—of course—the food.
The Golbarg Kebab has really won me over. This dish features char-boiled pieces of chunky breast wrapped with veal tenderloin strips. It’s so satisfying to eat this dish because the Persian spices make each bite an explosion of earthy-savory goodness.
To wash everything down, order a glass or bottle of wine. There’s a good variety of brands available here (examples include Baron Philippe and Yellow Tail Shiraz).
| Pro Tips: The restaurant hosts events like New Year’s parties and themed nights. Do you want to host your own event at this restaurant? Simply fill up this form. |
Zaffron
Address: 6200 Yonge St, North York
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14162237070
Located in a section of North York that’s dubbed “Tehranto,” Zaffron is a local favorite. It helps that it has an elegant interior, so people love coming here for important celebrations like birthdays and weddings.
Whenever I come here, I always order Salari, which consists of a skewer of filet mignon and a skewer of chicken leg. Both pieces of meat are seasoned with Persian spices, so you can taste strong hints of cinnamon and cardamom.
I also recommend the Fesenjoon, a traditional chicken stew. It tastes slightly sweet and acidic because of the pomegranate juice, and the walnuts add both a crunch and nutty-earthy flavor.
| Pro Tip: There’s a party room at this restaurant. If you want to use it for your event, you can send a request via this form. |
